AB 570 Summary

• Authorizes counties to acquire, construct, improve, maintain, or operate broadband internet access services and related communications infrastructure necessary to obtain federal or state support.

• Requires local educational agencies to report student needs for computing devices and internet connectivity to the Department of Education, which must compile and post this information annually in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission.

• Directs the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development to develop and adopt streamlined local permit process recommendations for broadband infrastructure projects by June 30, 2021.

• Modifies the California Advanced Services Fund program to prioritize infrastructure projects reaching the greatest number of unserved and underserved households, and expands program goals to include remote learning and telehealth in addition to economic growth.

• Establishes the State Agency Direct Allocation Account within the CASF for funding broadband deployment in fairgrounds, tribal lands, and low-income areas for distance learning and telehealth purposes.